Maritime and Offshore Accident Lawyer
Maritime and offshore work is vital to the U.S. economy, but is often dangerous. Workers can be left with crippling injuries if employers skirt or disregard safety regulations. An experienced maritime and offshore accident attorney can help injured workers get justice.
Legally Reviewed By: Lawrence P. Wilson
Senior Attorney
- Page Last Updated:
- May 13, 2025
Why Hire The Lanier Law Firm’s Maritime and Offshore Accident Lawyers?
What Compensation Can You Receive for a Maritime & Offshore Accident?
Laws and Regulations That Apply to Maritime and Offshore Accidents
Types of Maritime and Offshore Accident Cases We Handle
What Our Houston Maritime and Offshore Accident Lawyers Can Do for You
Contact Our Expert Offshore & Maritime Accident Attorneys in Houston, TX
Maritime and offshore industries employ roughly 400,000 workers in the United States and play a critical role in national commerce and local economies. These fields often involve exciting but incredibly high-risk work, making maritime safety critical.
Maritime industries have higher-than-average injury, illness, and fatality rates than other U.S. workplaces. Many skilled workers have died working in or near water as a result of accidents, fires, explosions, and exposure to toxic substances or extreme temperatures. There were 203 offshore accident injuries reported in 2023 alone.
The skilled maritime and offshore accident lawyers with The Lanier Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve and hold your employer accountable for unsafe practices. Contact us online today for a free consultation.
Why Hire The Lanier Law Firm’s Maritime and Offshore Accident Lawyers?
Our award-winning firm has over 30 years of experience fighting and winning for injury victims, including maritime workers and their families. Our offshore accident attorneys have extensive expertise in maritime law litigation, boasting advanced degrees and specialized certifications in the field.
We’re dedicated to advocating for workers’ rights and fighting to protect them from industrial accidents due to negligence and unsafe work conditions in the maritime industry. We give each client the individualized attention they need to stay worry-free while we do whatever it takes to maximize their compensation.
Our team has vast experience fighting and winning against some of the largest corporations in the world. As The Lanier Law Firm’s case results show, we’re not afraid of standing up to big companies—we’ve billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Lawrence P. Wilson: Lawrence “Larry” Wilson rejoined The Lanier Law Firm in 2003 and has significant experience in maritime negligence, offshore accidents, and oil rig accidents with numerous favorable jury verdicts.
Judson A. Waltman: Judson “Jud” Waltman, Managing Attorney in Houston, has extensive experience in Personal Injury and Maritime Litigation. Since joining The Lanier Law Firm in 2002, he has primarily represented individuals who are victims of injury or death. Among the matters he handles are maritime incidents, oil field accidents, and workplace injuries.
What Compensation Can You Receive for a Maritime & Offshore Accident?
Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you can receive a variety of economic and non-economic damages following a maritime or offshore accident.
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, future treatment costs, and diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages, in contrast, compensate for impacts on the victim’s quality of life and have subjective financial value. These include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
“Lanier Law Firm is the best in the business. Our experience was outstanding as the entire Firm are experts in this space. They were able to guide us through the entire process with confidence. Highly recommend Lanier Law Firm!”
– Stewart L.
“I am so glad to have The Lanier Law Firm in my corner. They handle things quickly, communicate at every turn, and are genuinely passionate about making things right. We felt very alone, but thanks to this firm, we do not feel that way anymore. Wish I could give 10 stars.”
– Will R.
Laws and Regulations That Apply to Maritime and Offshore Accidents
A worker qualifies as a “seaman” protected by maritime law if their work contributes to the function of an active vessel and they spend a significant amount of their time on the job aboard the ship. Here are some of the important laws that affect the rights of maritime and offshore workers.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act extends the protections of the Federal Employer’s Liability Act, or FELA, to seamen. FELA holds employers liable for negligence that leads to railroad workers’ injuries. The Jones Act allows workers injured in accidents at sea to sue their employers for negligence. In addition, families of those killed in offshore accidents can also bring wrongful death claims under the act.
Claimants can recover compensation under the Jones Act by showing that their employer’s negligence contributed to their injuries, even if it wasn’t the primary cause. In a negligence claim under the Jones Act, a worker can pursue compensation for a wide spectrum of damages.
Under the Jones Act, workers might also be eligible to receive payments for “maintenance and cure,” which is similar to workers’ compensation but doesn’t shield the employer from further liability. An injured seaman can pursue such a claim, regardless of the cause of the injury and whether the employer’s negligence contributed to it. However, these payments likely won’t be enough to make an injury victim whole.
The Death on the High Seas Act
The Death on the High Seas Act, or DOHSA, allows families of workers who have died outside of the territory of the United States from negligence or a wrongful act to pursue compensation.
Admiralty, Maritime, and Prize Cases and State Laws
While federal courts typically have jurisdiction over maritime claims, the “saving to suitors” clause in 28 U.S. Code § 1333 allows victims of offshore accidents to pursue compensation in state courts under common law. Our knowledgeable maritime and offshore accident attorneys can help you determine which venue will give you the best chances of an optimal result.
Types of Maritime and Offshore Accident Cases We Handle
Maritime and offshore workplaces present unique challenges and hazards, even when safety protocols are followed. Due to the demanding nature of these environments, various types of accidents can occur. Our talented attorneys are committed to protecting your rights in any situation. Maritime and offshore accident cases we handle include the following:
Dredge Accidents
Barge Accidents
Gangway and Boarding Accidents
Oil Rig Explosion Accidents
Cargo Ship Accidents
Commercial Fishing Accidents
Tanker Ship Accidents
Jackup Rig Accidents
Mobile Platform Accidents
What Our Houston Maritime and Offshore Accident Lawyers Can Do for You
The nationally recognized attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm are committed to securing the compensation you deserve and getting you the best possible results after a maritime or offshore accident. We will do the following:
- Come to you for a free consultation at your convenience.
- Handle all the legal work so you can concentrate on healing.
- Investigate and gather evidence to build the strongest possible case.
- File your lawsuit promptly and correctly.
- Negotiate for the highest possible settlement.
- Represent you in court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
“We will not be outspent, will not be outworked, and we are able to handle the big industrial cases to ensure our clients the best results.”
– Lawrence P. Wilson
Contact Our Expert Offshore & Maritime Accident Attorneys in Houston, TX
Maritime law is complex. Our experienced offshore accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options and fight to protect your rights. We’re ready to win you the compensation you deserve.
Call 800-723-3216 or contact The Lanier Law Firm online today to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs About Maritime and Offshore Accident Cases
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Maritime Injury??
The Jones Act and DOHSA generally must be filed within three years of a maritime injury. However, there are some exceptions in certain circumstances. Consult a knowledgeable offshore accident lawyer as soon as possible after your injury to ensure you file a timely claim and get the best possible results.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Offshore Accident Lawyer?
There is no upfront cost to hire an experienced maritime and offshore accident attorney from The Lanier Law Firm. We advance all case-related costs and invest significant resources with no obligation. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
How Far Offshore Does Maritime Law Apply?
U.S. maritime law jurisdiction extends for 12 nautical miles from its geographical baselines. The law originally applied to seas up to three nautical miles from land. However, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation in 1988 extending it to its current boundaries, reasoning that the new distance was in line with international law.
What Injuries Are Covered Under Maritime and Offshore Accident Law?
Common injuries in maritime and offshore accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, bone fractures, amputations, scarring, crushed or amputated limbs, and lung damage from exposure to toxic chemicals or smoke. Any of these injuries could entitle you to compensation.
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